CRP and atherosclerosis: Endogenous estrogen has been shown to protect the development of atherosclerosis, and has an anti-inflammatory effect in women.43, 44 However, Muir et al. did not find any association between gender and elevated CRP (> 10 mg/L) levels in acute ischemic stroke patients.19 Recent studies have demonstrated a fivefold increase in the risk of any vascular event in women with the highest CRP levels.7, 23 Thus, elevated CRP level may cause more damage in women.